Collapsible sewing basket

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a sewing basket for storing thread, pins, needles, scissors, buttons, snaps, measuring tapes, and other sewing tools and accessories. The present invention is further directed to a novel method of collapsing the size of the sewing basket for shipping, storage, and other purposes. The sewing basket of this invention includes a base, an upper frame and a collapsible side walls connecting the base and the upper frame. The basket may switch from a collapsed position with the side walls collapsed bringing the upper frame in proximity to the base and an extended position where the side walls are maintained in an extended position with a support.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of application, U.S. Ser. No. 14/988,493, filed on 5 Jan. 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/266,925, filed 14 Dec. 2015. The co-pending parent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein and is made apart hereof, including but not limited to those portions which specifically appear hereinafter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a sewing basket and more specifically to a collapsible sewing basket which reduces shipping and storage costs in addition to other benefits.

Discussion of Related Art

Nearly all individuals interested in sewing and other arts and crafts have a sewing basket to store sewing tools and accessories in a convenient location. Most known sewing baskets include pockets, trays, and other compartments for storing items such as, spools of thread, pins, needles, scissors, buttons, snaps, measuring tape, and other sewing tools and accessories. These known sewing baskets generally include solid walls forming an enclosed space for storage, trays, a removable top and handle. While useful for their purpose of storing sewing supplies, the size of known sewing baskets and the empty void of the enclosed space greatly increases shipping costs and increases shelf space required to sell these known sewing baskets. Manufacturers and sellers of sewing baskets have attempted to reduce the costs associated with shipping and selling sewing baskets by filling the enclosed space with sewing accessories or by nesting smaller sewing baskets in larger sewing baskets. Unfortunately, most consumers of sewing baskets already own their own sewing tools and view purchasing sewing baskets with accessories as a waste of money. Furthermore, in order for the seller to profit from the sale of the sewing baskets the accessories must be low-cost which often means lower quality accessories. As for the nested approach, the smaller sewing kits are generally viewed by purchasers as too small for their intended purpose. As a result, the smaller sewing baskets are more difficult to sell and often must be sold for little to no profit. As such, there is a need for an improved sewing basket which is collapsible for shipping, storage, and other purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a sewing basket for storing thread, pins, needles, scissors, buttons, snaps, measuring tape, and other sewing tools and accessories. The present invention is further directed to a novel method of collapsing the size of the sewing basket for shipping, storage, and other purposes. The following description is directed to sewing baskets, however it should be understood that the concepts described may be used with other type of carriers including, but not limited to, tackle boxes, tool boxes, scrap booking tool carriers, and first aid kits.

In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible basket of this invention includes a base with a plurality of collapsible sides extending from the base and connected to an upper frame with a hinged lid and a handle connected to the upper frame. The collapsible basket is adjustable from a collapsed position, with the collapsible sides folded bringing the upper frame in proximity to the base, and an extended position, with the collapsible sides extended and held in place with a plurality of supports.

The base may comprise a plurality of base walls and a bottom surface forming a rectangular shape with an inset. In alternative embodiments, the base may not comprise a rectangular shape and may be arranged in any desired shape. The base is preferably manufactured with plastic, however any material capable of providing a rigid base and durable base for the collapsible carrier may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the inset is 1 inch deep and defined by the base walls and the bottom surface. Alternatively, the inset may be any desired depth. In another embodiment, the base may receive a removable tray with compartments for storing sewing accessories.

The upper frame preferably comprises a plurality of frame walls and corresponds in shape to the base and is preferably made of the same material as the base. The upper frame also includes an opening defined by the frame walls. The upper frame may also have a height of one inch. Alternatively, the upper frame may have any desired height. In an embodiment of the invention, the upper frame may receive a removable tray with compartments for storing sewing accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the upper frame includes a handle for carrying the sewing basket.

As mentioned above, the collapsible basket includes the plurality of collapsible sides. In the embodiment with a rectangular shape, the collapsible basket includes four collapsible sides, each extending from one of the plurality of base walls to one of the frame walls. The collapsible sides preferably comprise a flexible material, such as fabric, rubber or thin plastic, which may be folded in an accordion pattern bringing the base in proximity to the upper frame. In an embodiment of this invention, the collapsible sides may measure four inches in the extended position. This embodiment provides a basket having a height of six inches in the extended position and a height of just over two inches in the collapsed position. The collapsible sides preferably include a plurality of sleeves to hold the supports in position.

The collapsible basket of this invention preferably further includes supports to hold the basket in the extended position. In an embodiment of this invention, the supports comprise four rods positioned in a support receiver in each corner of the base. In another embodiment, the supports comprise four panels that are positioned in a support receiver along each straight portion of the base. In another embodiment, the support comprises a scissor-like mechanism that is built into at least one of the base and the upper frame and may be extended or retracted, and locked into position, as necessary. The supports are preferably manufactured of the same material as the base or upper frame. Alternatively, the supports may be manufactured of any material as long as the material is capable of maintaining the basket in the extended position. In another embodiment of this invention, the support comprises a foldable, four-walled insert with two open ends. The support preferably comprises a fabric wrapped cardboard insert that is continuous on four sides and open on a top and a bottom of the support. This support may be positioned between the base and the upper frame to maintain the collapsible sides in an expanded position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a collapsible basket in an expanded position, according to one embodiment of this invention with a cross-section of a collapsible side.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the collapsible basket of FIG. 1 with a removable tray removed.

FIG. 3 shows sleeves and supports separated from the collapsible basket shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the collapsible basket of FIG. 1 in an expanded position.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the collapsible basket of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position with four supports.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an upper frame according to an embodiment of the invention with a cross-sectional view of the upper frame.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a base according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a collapsible basket in an expanded position, according to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the collapsible basket of FIG. 8 in a collapsed position with four supports.

FIG. 10 shows sleeves and supports separated from the collapsible basket shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a collapsible basket in an expanded position, according to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the collapsible basket of FIG. 11 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the collapsible basket of FIG. 11 without collapsible sides to show supports according to an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the collapsible basket of FIG. 12 without collapsible sides to show the supports.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a collapsible basket in an expanded position, according to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the collapsible basket of FIG. 15 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 17 shows a support separated from the collapsible basket shown in FIG. 15 in an expanded, partially folded and folded position.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a sewing basket 10 for storing thread, pins, needles, scissors, buttons, snaps, measuring tapes, and other sewing tools and accessories. The present invention is further directed to a novel method of collapsing the size of the sewing basket 10 for shipping, storage, and other purposes. The following description is directed to sewing baskets, however it should be understood that the concepts described may be used with other type of carriers including, but not limited to, tackle boxes, tool boxes, scrap booking carriers, and first aid kits.

In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the collapsible sewing basket 10 of this invention includes a base 12 with a plurality of collapsible sides 14 extending from the base 12 and connected to an upper frame 16 with a hinged lid 18 and a handle 20 connected to the upper frame 16. The collapsible sewing basket 10 preferably further includes a removable plastic tray 34 that fits in an enclosed space partially defined by the collapsible walls. The collapsible basket 10 of this invention is adjustable from a collapsed position, shown in FIG. 5, with the collapsible sides 14 folded bringing the upper frame 16 in proximity to the base 12, and an expanded position, shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, with the collapsible sides 14 extended and held in place with a plurality of supports 22. In this embodiment, the collapsible sewing basket 10 comprises a rectangular basket having a length of 11.41″, a height of 6.69″ and a depth of 8.26″. However, it should be understood that the basket of this invention is not limited to this shape and/or dimensions and may comprise any shape and/or dimensions.

As best shown in FIG. 7, the base 12 according to one embodiment of this invention comprises a plurality of base walls 24 and a bottom surface 26 forming a rectangular shape with an inset 28. In an alternative embodiments, the base 12 may not comprise a rectangular shape and may be arranged in any desired shape. The base 12 is preferably manufactured from plastic, however any material capable of providing a rigid and durable base for the collapsible carrier may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the inset 28 is ¼″ deep and defined by the base walls 24 and the bottom surface 26. Alternatively, the inset 28 may be any desired depth. In alternative embodiment, the base 12 may comprises a flat, rectangular shape without an inset. In this embodiment, the base 12 further includes a plurality of support receivers 46, each support receiver 46 positioned in a corner of the base 12. The support receiver 46 provides additional rigidity to the supports 22 in the expanded position. In an alternative embodiment, the base may not include a support receiver.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the upper frame 16 preferably comprises a plurality of frame walls 30 and corresponds in shape to the base 12 and is preferably made of the same material as the base 12. The upper frame 16 also includes an opening 32 defined by the frame walls 30. The upper frame 16 may have a height of ½″. Alternatively, the upper frame 16 may have any desired height. As best shown in FIG. 1, the upper frame 16 may receive a removable tray 34 with compartments for storing sewing accessories in the opening 32. The upper frame 16 may also provide an attachment for the handle 20.

As mentioned above, the collapsible basket 10 includes the plurality of collapsible sides 14. In the embodiment having a rectangular shape, the collapsible basket 10 includes four collapsible sides 14, each extending from one of the plurality of base walls 24 to one of the frame walls 30 and joined to adjacent collapsible sides 14. The collapsible sides 14 preferably comprise a flexible material which may be folded in an accordion pattern bringing the base 12 in proximity to the upper frame 16. The collapsible sides 14 are preferably stylized with a pattern or design to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible sides 14 comprise an inner layer of fabric 36 and an outer layer of fabric 38 surrounding batting 40 in between. This three layer design provides a durable, padded wall that is also flexible allowing the side walls 14 to be folded and collapsed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the inner layer 36 and/or the outer layer 38 may extend to surround at least a portion of the upper frame 16. In an alternative embodiment, the collapsible side wall may be manufactured from rubber or a composite material that allows the walls to be collapsed. In another embodiment, the collapsible side walls 14 may be manufactured from a rigid material with hinged connections that allow the side walls to be folded and reduced in height. For example, the side wall may be manufactured of plastic with hinged connectors or the sides walls may be connected squares of slightly increasing size allowing the side walls to telescope from the collapsed position to the expanded position.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the collapsible basket 10 of this invention further includes supports 22 to hold the basket in the expanded position. In an embodiment of this invention, the supports 22 comprise four rods 42 positioned in a sleeve 44 in the collapsible walls 14 and inserted in the support receiver 46 in each corner of the base 16. The collapsible sides 14 further include a flap 48 to fold over a top of the rod 42 to secure the rod and keep the collapsible sides 14 erect. In a preferred embodiment, the supports 22 are preferably manufactured of the same material as the base 12 or upper frame 16. Alternatively, the supports 22 may be manufactured of any material provided the material is capable of maintaining the collapsible basket 10 in the expanded position.

In an embodiment of this invention, the base 12 has a height of approximately ½″, the collapsible sides 14 measure approximately 6″ in the expanded position, and the upper frame 16 has a height of approximately ½″, providing a basket having a height of approximately 7″ in the expanded position, as shown in FIG. 4, and a height of just over 1″ in the collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the dimensions of the components may be varied as necessary.

In this embodiment, the collapsible sewing basket 10 further includes a lid 18 for closed an enclosed space of the sewing basket 10. In this embodiment, the lid 18 is a hinged lid. Alternatively, the lid 18 may be fully removable from the sewing basket 10. In a preferred embodiment, the lid comprises a padded cover with an outer layer that is the same material as the outer layer of the collapsible sides. In a preferred embodiment, the lid 18 further includes a pin cushion 50 and a latch 52 for securing the lid 18 closed.

This invention provides a useful and sufficiently large sewing basket to provide for a user's end needs while also providing a reduced size for shipping and storage. This design also allows for the collapsible sewing basket to be packaged in a clear bag and hanged on a sales rack minimizing the sales costs and shelf space required for selling traditional sewing baskets.

FIGS. 8-10 show an alternative embodiment of the collapsible sewing basket of this invention. In this embodiment, a collapsible sewing basket 110 includes a base 112 with a plurality of collapsible sides 114 extending from the base 112 and connected to an upper frame 116 with a hinged lid 118 and a handle 120 connected to the upper frame 116. The collapsible sewing basket 110 preferably further includes a removable plastic tray, not shown, that fits in an enclosed space partially defined by the collapsible walls 114 and the base 112. The collapsible basket 110 of this embodiment is adjustable from a collapsed position, shown in FIG. 9, with the collapsible sides 114 folded bringing the upper frame 116 in proximity to the base 112, and an expanded position, shown in FIG. 8, with the collapsible sides 114 extended and held in place with a plurality of supports 122. In this embodiment, the collapsible sewing basket 110 comprises a rectangular basket. However, it should be understood that the basket of this invention is not limited to this shape and/or dimensions and may comprise any shape and/or dimensions.

As discussed above, the collapsible basket 110 includes the plurality of collapsible sides 114. In this embodiment, the collapsible basket 110 includes four collapsible sides 114, each extending from a base wall to an upper frame wall and joined to adjacent collapsible sides 114. The collapsible sides 14 preferably comprise a flexible material which may be folded and/or collapsed to bring the base 112 in proximity to the upper frame 116. In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible sides 114 comprise an inner layer of fabric and an outer layer of fabric with batting in between. This three layer design provides a durable wall that is also flexible allowing the side walls 114 to be folded and/or collapsed.

The collapsible basket 110 further includes supports 122 to hold the basket 110 in the expanded position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10, the supports 122 comprise two square panels and two rectangular panels 142 positioned in four sleeves 144 connected to the collapsible walls 114. The collapsible sides 114 further include four flaps 148 to fold over each top of each panel 142 to secure the panels 142 and keep the collapsible sides 114 upright. In a preferred embodiment, the supports 122 are preferably manufactured of the same material as the base 112 or upper frame 114. Alternatively, the supports 122 may be manufactured of any material provided the material is capable of maintaining the collapsible basket 110 in the expanded position.

FIGS. 11-14 show another alternative embodiment of the collapsible sewing basket of this invention. In this embodiment, a collapsible sewing basket 210 includes a base 212 with a plurality of collapsible sides 214 extending from the base 212 and connected to an upper frame 216 with a hinged lid 218 and a handle 220 connected to the upper frame 216. The collapsible sewing basket 210 preferably further includes a removable plastic tray, not shown, that fits in an enclosed space partially defined by the collapsible walls 214 and the base 212. The collapsible basket 210 of this embodiment is adjustable from a collapsed position, shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, with the collapsible sides 214 folded bringing the upper frame 216 in proximity to the base 212, and an expanded position, shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, with the collapsible sides 214 extended and held in place with a plurality of supports 222.

As discussed above, the collapsible basket 210 includes the plurality of collapsible sides 214. In this embodiment, the collapsible basket 210 includes four collapsible sides 214, each extending from a base wall to an upper frame wall and joined to adjacent collapsible sides 214. The collapsible sides 214 preferably comprise a flexible material which may be folded and/or collapsed to bring the base 212 in proximity to the upper frame 216. In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible sides 214 comprise an inner layer of fabric and an outer layer of fabric with batting in between. This three layer design provides a durable wall that is also flexible allowing the side walls 214 to be folded and/or collapsed.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14, the plurality of supports 222 comprise a pair of scissor mechanisms 242 which are connected to at least one of the base 212 and/or the upper frame 218 and may be expanded or retracted. In a preferred embodiment, the scissor mechanisms 242 may be locked in position to hold the basket in the expanded position. In a preferred embodiment, the scissor mechanism 242 are anchored in a track in the base that allows the scissor mechanism to slide to expand and retract. In an alternative embodiment, the scissor mechanism 242 is not permanently connected to the basket 210 and may be attached to anchoring points in the basket 210 to hold the basket 210 in the expanded position. The scissor mechanisms 242 are preferably manufactured of the same material as the base 212 or upper frame 214. Alternatively, the supports 222 may be manufactured of any material provided the material is capable of maintaining the collapsible basket 210 in the expanded position.

FIGS. 15-17 show another embodiment of the collapsible sewing basket of this invention. In this embodiment, a collapsible sewing basket 310 includes a base 312 with a plurality of collapsible sides 314 extending from the base 312 and connected to an upper frame 316 with a hinged lid 318 and a handle 320 connected to the upper frame 316. The collapsible sewing basket 310 preferably further includes a removable plastic tray, not shown, that fits in an enclosed space partially defined by the collapsible walls 314 and the base 312. In a preferred embodiment, the removable plastic tray fits in the collapsible sewing basket 310 in both the collapsed position and the expanded position. The collapsible basket 310 of this embodiment is adjustable from a collapsed position, shown in FIG. 16, with the collapsible sides 314 folded bringing the upper frame 316 in proximity to the base 312, and an expanded position, shown in FIG. 15, with the collapsible sides 314 extended and held in place with a foldable support 322. In this embodiment, the collapsible sewing basket 310 comprises a rectangular basket. However, it should be understood that the basket of this invention is not limited to this shape and/or dimensions and may comprise any shape and/or dimensions.

As discussed above, the collapsible basket 310 includes the plurality of collapsible sides 314. In this embodiment, the collapsible basket 310 includes four collapsible sides 314, each extending from a base wall to an upper frame wall and joined to adjacent collapsible sides 314. The collapsible sides 314 preferably comprise a flexible material which may be folded and/or collapsed to bring the base 312 in proximity to the upper frame 316. In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible sides 314 comprise an inner layer of fabric and an outer layer of fabric with batting in between. This three layer design provides a durable wall that is also flexible allowing the side walls 314 to be folded and/or collapsed.

The collapsible basket 310 further includes the foldable support 322 to hold the basket 310 in the expanded position. As best shown in FIG. 17, the support 322 comprises a fabric-wrapped cardboard insert however, other materials may be used. In this embodiment, the support 322 is a continuous four-paneled box that is open on either end. The support 322 is preferably foldable at each corner and in the middle of two of the panels to allow the support 322 to be collapsed and fit inside the collapsible basket 310 in the collapsed state. Preferably, both the foldable support 322 and the plastic tray can fit inside the collapsible basket 310 in the collapsed state. This reduces the size of the basket for shipping and displaying of the basket.

In an embodiment of this invention, the base 312 further includes a plurality of support receivers along each edge of the base to receive support and provide additional rigidity the collapsible basket 312 in the expanded position. In an embodiment, the support receiver comprises a continuous groove that extends all the way around the base 312 to receive the support. The groove may comprise a ⅛″ depth groove and width that provides a tight friction fit with the support to help maintain the support upright. However, the groove is not limited to this depth and/or width and may be designed with a different depth or width. The upper frame 316 may also include an upper support receiver in each edge of the upper frame to receive a top portion of the support 322 to provide additional rigidity to the collapsible basket 310. In an embodiment, the upper support receiver comprises a continuous groove that extends all the way around the upper frame 316 to receive the support. The groove may comprise a ⅛″ depth groove and width that provides a tight friction fit with the support. However, the groove is not limited to this depth and/or width and may be designed with a different depth or width. In an alternative embodiment, the collapsible basket 310 may include a tie in each corner of the base and upper frame. With the support in place, the ties may be tied together to maintain the support in position along the edge of the collapsible sewing basket.

Thus, the invention provides sewing basket that may be collapsed for shipping, storage, and other purposes.

It will be appreciated that details of the foregoing embodiments, given for purposes of illustration, are not to be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention, which is defined in the following claims and all equivalents thereto. Further, it is recognized that many embodiments may be conceived that do not achieve all of the advantages of some embodiments, particularly of the preferred embodiments, yet the absence of a particular advantage shall not be construed to necessarily mean that such an embodiment is outside the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible sewing basket comprising: a base; an upper frame including a plurality of frame walls defining an opening through the upper frame; a plurality of collapsible sides extending from the base to the upper frame; a support positionable between the base and the upper frame to maintain the collapsible sides in an expanded position, wherein the support may be removed to allow the collapsible sides to retract to a collapsed position; and wherein the base, the plurality of collapsible sides and the support form a partially enclosed space with an open top.
 2. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of base walls and a bottom surface forming an inset.
 3. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 2, wherein the base further includes a support receiver to receive the support to maintain the support in an upright position.
 4. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 1, wherein the upper frame includes an upper support receiver, wherein the support fits into the upper support receiver.
 5. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 1 further comprising: a lid positionable over the open top to enclose the collapsible sewing basket.
 6. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 1 further comprising: a tray positionable within the collapsible sewing basket, wherein the tray fits in the collapsible sewing basket in both the expanded position and the collapsed position.
 7. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 1, wherein the collapsible sides comprises an inner fabric and an outer fabric with batting positioned between the inner fabric and the outer fabric.
 8. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 1, wherein the support comprises a fabric-wrapped cardboard insert having a plurality of walls and an opening at a top and bottom of the plurality of walls.
 9. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 8, wherein the support is foldable to fit inside the collapsible sewing basket in the collapsed state.
 10. A collapsible sewing basket comprising: a base including a plurality of base walls and a bottom surface forming an inset; an upper frame including a plurality of frame walls with an opening in a middle of the plurality of frame walls; a plurality of collapsible sides, each of the plurality collapsible sides extending from one of the plurality of base walls to one of the frame walls, the plurality of collapsible sides; a foldable support; and wherein the collapsible sewing basket may be adjusted from a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein in the collapsed position the plurality of collapsible sides are folded bringing the upper frame in proximity to the base, wherein in the expanded position the plurality of collapsible sides are extended and the support is positioned between the base and the upper frame to maintain the plurality of collapsible sides expanded.
 11. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 10 further comprising: a lid positionable over the open top to enclose the collapsible sewing basket.
 12. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 10 further comprising: a tray positionable within the collapsible sewing basket, wherein the tray fits in the collapsible sewing basket in both the expanded position and the collapsed position.
 13. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 10, wherein the collapsible sides comprises an inner fabric and an outer fabric with batting positioned between the inner fabric and the outer fabric.
 14. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 10, wherein the support comprises a fabric-wrapped cardboard insert having a plurality of walls and an opening at a top and bottom of the plurality of walls.
 15. The collapsible sewing basket of claim 14, wherein the support is foldable to fit inside the collapsible sewing basket in the collapsed state. 